Some of boxing’s best live in the 135 and 140-pound divisions with plenty of massive matchups expected soon
Over the past few years, the lower weight classes have been the most compelling in boxing. Even as some of the higher weight classes have seen long-awaited fights come together, the depth of stars around the lightweight and junior welterweight divisions make the divisions consistently compelling.
The 135 and 140-pound divisions also benefit from a variety of unique personalities that draw attention beyond their elite boxing skills. From Gervonta “Tank” Davis emerging as arguably the face of boxing to Ryan Garcia’s bizarre behavior mixing with his talent to create entirely unique situations, the divisions never fail to provide entertainment.
As we head into the final handful of months in 2024, the CBS Sports boxing experts sat down to look at the current status of the top names at lightweight and junior welterweight, as well as what could be next for each fighter.
Lightweight
Gervonta “Tank” Davis (WBA lightweight champion): Davis, along with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, has established himself as the “face of boxing.” He has done so mainly through carefully constructed matchmaking. After being elevated to full champion status in November when Devin Haney moved up to junior welterweight, Davis defended his title against Frank Martin. The Martin fight was the first world title fight for Davis since October 2020, but his style and personality has made him a bigger star than a constant stream of world title bouts could ever have. Davis has any option he desires moving forward. While there has been much talk of a fight with Shakur Stevenson, that feels like a fight that isn’t going to happen until at least mid to late 2025, if at all, with Stevenson set to fight Joe Cordina on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol. Negotiations for a fight with Vasiliy Lomachenko fell through for Davis, which leaves Denys Berinchyk as the only other fighter with a world title in the weight class if Davis is looking to chase more gold. — Brent Brookhouse
